As funny and emblematic of a certain kind of neurotic Jewish mindset as Woody Allen is, what could be more ridiculous than assuming that he represents all Jews.

The two models of Jewish tradition that we have presented reflect the clash between the Sephardic tradition of religious humanism and the Ashkenazi tradition of magical-occultism.

Israel's Jewish culture can be identified as the paradoxical attempt to restore Jews to the world of nations, but to do so by an occult process that remains alien to universal civilization and the standards of science and rationality.

Shas has not sought to effectively redress the secular-political problems of the Israeli Sephardim, but has relentlessly pursued its own parochial interests as an Ultra-Orthodox party in the Ashkenazi mold.

In terms of the Jewish future, the Sephardi-Ashkenazi split is of immense importance. Understanding the cultural differences between the two groups is vital for our political interests.

Building on the Talmudic term pilpul, I would like to more closely examine the difficulty that Netanyahu's recent AIPAC statements present for anyone working to negotiate a settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.

For those who have any concern with the Middle East conflict or with Judaism, what you know -- or do not know -- about pilpul is something upon which your well-being could depend.

Though it is sad to see the cultural degeneration of the Israeli Sephardim, it is nonetheless true that the community now represents a viciously reactionary element in the Israeli political system.

If Humanism is to be restored to Judaism, the Maimonidean Controversy must be addressed and resolved in a definitive manner.